Prevalence and correlates of ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder among adults living in Ukraine during the war with Russia

Abstract

Background: Although high rates of bereavement are evident in war-affected populations, no study has investigated the prevalence and correlates of probable ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder (PGD) under these circumstances.

Methods: Participants were 2050 adults who participated in a nationwide survey exploring the effects of the Ukraine-Russia war on the daily lives and mental health of Ukrainian people.

Results: Of the total sample, 87.7% (n = 1797) of people indicated a lifetime bereavement. In the full sample, 11.4% met the diagnostic requirements for probable ICD-11 PGD, and amongst those with a lifetime bereavement, the conditional rate of probable ICD-11 PGD was 13.0%. Significant risk factors of ICD-11 PGD included the recent loss of a loved one (6 months to a year ago), being most affected by a partner or spouse's death, loved one dying in the war, no recent contact with the deceased prior to their death, and meeting depression and anxiety diagnostic requirements.

Conclusion: The study reveals that a significant percentage of Ukrainian bereaved individuals have probable ICD-11 PGD, and identifying risk factors, particularly war-related losses, will aid in the development of intervention and prevention programs for bereaved adults.

Keywords: grief; international classification of diseases; prevalence; prolonged grief disorder; risk factors; war.